The summer signings of Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck increased Arsenal’s attacking options, and put pressure on Olivier Giroud to retain his place in the starting line-up.

After picking up an early season injury at Everton many thought Giroud would struggle to regain his place in the team.

He has though hit a rich vein of goalscoring form for the Gunners with 11 goals in 13 appearances this season.

His goal at Crystal Palace on Saturday was his 50th for Arsenal in all competitions.

Going into the first leg of Arsenal’s last 16 Uefa Champions League tie at the Emirates Stadium tonight, Giroud will be the focal point of the Gunners attack.

Giroud has told the Independent that rumours of Arsenal signing another striker, have spurred him on.

He said: “I hear people say, ‘They have Giroud and [Danny] Welbeck but they need a world-class striker.’ Meaning, us, we’re not world-class forwards.

“It spurs you on. Recently, there was a buzz around [Porto striker] Jackson Martinez. “The coach has said good things about him, the player has said he would like to come. I learned that before the Middlesbrough game [a 2-0 win].

“”It gave me added motivation. I was very happy to score those two goals.”